NC State didn’t just make the short trip to Greensboro on Sunday-they made a statement. With a 76-62 win over Ole Miss at First Horizon Coliseum, the Wolfpack notched their first Power Four victory of the season, and they did it with a blend of hot shooting, sharp passing, and high-energy defense that Ole Miss simply couldn’t keep up with.
Paul McNeil Jr. Steals the Show
Freshman Paul McNeil Jr. had himself a day. The guard lit it up from deep, knocking down six three-pointers en route to a game-high 18 points.
It wasn’t just the volume-it was the rhythm. Every time NC State needed a jolt, McNeil was there to provide it, spacing the floor and punishing Ole Miss for giving him even a sliver of daylight.
His performance was a reminder of why he came into the program with so much buzz. If he keeps shooting like this, he’s going to be a major problem for ACC defenses.
Quadir Copeland Nearly Posts a Triple-Double
While McNeil was filling it up from the perimeter, Quadir Copeland was doing a little bit of everything. The versatile guard came just shy of a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds.
He was the engine that kept the Wolfpack running-pushing the pace, finding open shooters, and crashing the boards. Whether he was setting up teammates or finishing plays himself, Copeland was in full control of the tempo.
His chemistry with McNeil and the rest of the backcourt is starting to click, and it showed.
Setting the Tone Early
NC State didn’t waste time establishing control. They jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, using defensive pressure to force turnovers and turn stops into transition opportunities.
The Wolfpack’s energy on both ends of the floor was evident from the opening tip. They played fast, but with purpose-moving the ball, attacking closeouts, and staying connected defensively.
Ole Miss tried to battle back, but every time they made a push, NC State had an answer. Whether it was a McNeil triple, a Copeland drive, or a key defensive stop, the Pack kept their foot on the gas and didn’t let the Rebels get comfortable.
Team Effort, Big-Time Energy
This wasn’t just a two-man show. The Wolfpack got contributions up and down the roster.
Tre Holloman knocked down a key three-pointer, Ven-Allen Lubin brought toughness in the paint, and the bench stayed engaged throughout. Head coach Will Wade was animated on the sideline, calling out sets and firing up his team during key stretches.
His energy seemed to fuel the players, especially during a second-half stretch where NC State slammed the door shut on any hopes of an Ole Miss comeback.
What This Win Means
This victory might not move the national rankings needle just yet, but it’s a meaningful step for NC State. Beating a Power Four opponent in convincing fashion shows growth-and more importantly, it shows that this group is starting to find its identity. With McNeil emerging as a scoring threat and Copeland playing like a floor general, the Wolfpack have the kind of backcourt that can cause problems in ACC play.
They’ll look to build on this momentum as conference games loom, but Sunday’s win in Greensboro was more than just a notch in the win column. It was a sign that NC State is starting to put the pieces together-and when they do, they’re a tough out for anybody.